In the coming months you'll see a lot of posts like this. Bear with me!
Five years ago that was me! Six months pregnant and saying goodbye to my husband not knowing what the future held. Today marks the 5 year anniversary of the day that Dana left Sioux Falls for Ft.Carson, Colorado. Ft.Carson was his "duty station" that is where troops train prior to deploying overseas. My husband was in a transportation unit so they drove all their equipment to Colorado where it was loaded onto rail cars and then to a ship to make the journey to Kuwait where they picked it up. April 9, 2003 the family and friends of the 1742nd lined the roads leading to the interstate. We cheered them on as they drove past although we felt like we were dying inside. My girlfriends daughter was 5 at the time saying to her mommy "why does he have to go? I just want him to stay here" I thanked God that I was pregnant and not having to explain such a grown up thing to my little boy. I talk about the pain, because that is the first feeling I remember. Of all the emotions I felt during that time the heart breaking pain stands out the most. Not knowing when or if you'll see your husband, son or brother again literally feels like your heart is being ripped out. But on the flip side there is an overwhelming feeling of pride and commitment to your country and your loved one that carries you through. You live your life believing that no news is good news and it was! You lived for phone calls, emails and letters. I relied on my faith in God that he would bring my husband home to me, but I also accepted that God's plan may be different.
To all the men and women that went before Dana and all that continue to serve I say Thank you! To all of the spouses who held up the home front and are continuing to do so, Thank you! Thank you for your sacrifices that are so hard and scary at the time. To all of the men and women who have given their lives for our country, Thank you. To all the men and women that have sacrificed their bodies and will live forever with the physical reminder of the war, Thank you! We as a country are forever indebted to you!
6 comments:
WOW! This is my story just 4 years ago (Dec. 2003).
I was a mommy to a 1 1/2 year old and it was a tough, tough time on him!
Brought back a lot of memories!!!
I remember it well--simultaneously the saddest and the proudest moment of my life.
Sort of sad and ironic--after the farewell we ended up taking Em who was 2 1/2 to acute care because she seemed sick after being out in the cold. We watched the fall of Baghdad on tv--pulling down the statue of Saddam. We thought maybe the unit wouldn't even end up going over--that it would be over. Yet, here we are 5 yrs later.
That was very touching Rachel. I have 2 cousins serving overseas right now. I know what you mean that no news is good news. Glad he made it home safely and I say thank you for him defending our country!
You made me cry!!
I always admired how strong you were, but yet knew you were just dying inside.
A special thanks to 'D' for being one of many defending out county.
I have no idea... I see the photos of the loved ones having to say good bye & ache for them.
And a thank you to you, for supporting your husband who could serve for us!
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